Closed slotted conduit for electric railways



(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 1.. (3. J. VAN DEPOELE.

CLOSED SLOTTBD GONDUIT FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAYS.

No. 405,628. PatentedJune 18, 1889.

(ha/r263 J, Yam/1767006167 affoznu N. PETERS. PhuQo-Liihcgnphcr,Washington, D. C-

(No Model.) I 6 Sheets-Sheet 2. O. J. VAN DEPOELE.

CLOSED SLOTTED GONDUIT FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAYS.

No. 405,628. Patented June 18, 1889.

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(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 3.

,0. J. VAN DEPOELE.

CLOSED SLOTTED GONDUIT FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAYS.

No. 405,628. Patented June 18,1889

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@MW Mg 6 Sheets-Sheet '4'.

(No Model.)

0. J. VAN DEPOELE.

CLOSED SL'OTTED GONDUIT FOR ELECTRIC RAIL'WAYS.

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(No Model.) 6 SheetsSheet 5.

G. J. VAN DEPOE-LE.

CLOSED SLOTTED GONDUIT FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAYS. v 7

No. 405,628. Patented June 18, 1889.

1 L 17- l f 7' l1, 7 V V I i E IINHIHIIIIHIIH Illnhl (No Model.) 7 6Sheets-Sheet 6. O. J. VAN DEPO'ELE.

ULOSED SLOTTED UONDUIT FOR ELEGTRIGIRAILWAYS. No. 405,628. Patented June18, 1889.

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CHARLES J. VAN DEPOELhL-OF LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS.

CLOSED SLOTTED CONDUIT FOR ELECTRlC RAILWAYS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 405,628, dated June 18,1889.

Original application filed January 5, 1889, Serial No. 295,506. Dividedand this application filed April 2, 1889. Serial N0.

805,729. (No model.)

To (LZZ whom it may concern-.-

Be it known that 1, CHARLES J. VAN DE- POELE, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing at Lynn, in the county of Essex and State ofMassachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inClosed Slotted Conduits for Electric Railways, of which the following isa description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and tothe letters and figures of reference marked thereon.

This application is a division of the application filed January 5,1889,Serial No. 295,500.

My invention relates to improved means for supporting, protecting, andinsulatin a supply conductor or conductors for electric railways oranalogous use; and it consists in an improved form of sub-surface conduit,in which the supply-conductor is carried, traveling contact beingmade with said conductor by a metallic contact device extending througha continuous surface-slot formed in the exterior casing of the conduit,which said slot is kept normally closed by elastic water-proof stripssecured under each edge thereof and pressed together, so as to excludewater, dirt, stones, and the like. Said strips, on account of theirnature, form, and position, are capabio of being sufiiciently separatedby the traveling plow to admit of its passage, without at the same timepermitting water or other objectionable matter to enter the conduit.

My invention may be carried out in a great variety of ways, severalspecific forms of conduit and of material available for the particularcharacter of slot-closing media being shown in the accompanyingdrawings.

Figure 1 is a transverse sectional elevation showing part of theroad-bedo'f an electric railway and a form of conduit embodyingmyinvention. Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional elevation showing aslightly-different form of conduit, together with its immediatesupports. Fig. 3 is a detail view in elevation, showing a contactplowadapted for use in connection with the conduit seen in Figs. 1 and 2.Fig. 4 is a transverse view in elevation, partly in section, showingaform of conduit. liig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, embodying aslightlydi'lt'erent construction. Fig. 6 is a transverse elevation,partly in section, showing another form of conduit-casing. Fig. 7 is aplan view may be used.

showing the conduit and one of the supporting-chairs in place. Fig. 8 isa transverse elevation, partly in section, showing a somewhat differentconstruction of conduit and packing. Fig. 9 is a side elevation showingthe upper portion of one side of the conduit, conductor, and travelingcontact seen in Fig. 8. Figs. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 1S, and 19are detail views showing the conduit or upper part thereof in transversesection, and illustrating different forms of slot-closing packing. Fig.20 is a plan view broken away in parts, and illustrating the method ofmaking water-tight expansible joints between the various sections ofwhich the conduit is composed, and also a trap for permitting access tothe interior of the conduit. Fig. 21 shows in side elevation and endView, respectively, means for electrically connecting one form ofconductor used. Fig. 22 is a sectional view of the connections shown inFig. 21. Fig. 2? shows in sectional elevation and end view another formof conductor-connection that Fig. 24 is a plan View of the connection bywhich flat conductors are united. Fig. 25 is a transverse section of theconnections shown in Fig. 24:.

As indicated in the drawings, my improved conduit comprises an exteriormetallic body or casing, which maybe formed, as indicated in 1, 2, 0,and 7, of separate continuously-united sections of channel-iron, withinwhich is inclosed the continuously connected conductor-supportingfilling or lining A, of wood or other insulating material, formed at itsupper side with a channel or groove a to receive the bare conductor 1,of copper or other suitable metal. In Fig. 1 a grooved wooden strip A islaid in a troughshaped iron casing B. The casing 13 is continuouslyconnected, as will appear, and is enveloped on either side bysimilarly-eontinuous bars of Z-shaped angle-iron O, which extend alongthe sides of the trough l3 and inward over its upper edges. The inneredges of the surfacebars or capping-plates O are separated above thegroove a, to form the continuous surface-slot I), through which thecontact devices enter the groove to. The bars C are supported uponsuitable chairs 0, placed at convenient distances along the line of theconduit. Before the bars C are secured in position continuous strips ofelastic non-conducting packing D are laid horizontally along the upperedges of the groove a upon the wood A, with their inner edges incontact, when they are secured in position and the parts firmly unitedby securing the angle-irons C firmly in their supportingchairsas, forexample, by set-screws which pass through the chairs and pressagainstthe lower parts of the angle-irons G in a downwardly-obliquedirection, so as to force said angle-irons closely against the sides ofthe trough B, and at the same time firmly secure the packing-strips I) Din position with their edges in close and practically water-tightcontact.

As seen in Fig. 2, the angle-irons C are L- shaped instead of Z-shaped,as in the previous instance, and are held in place by verticalscrew-bolts O passing downwardly and into a transverse iron plate (Z,forming the base of the chair, by which the conduit is supported atintervals. The conduit as a whole, being but four or five inches inheight, if built directly upon the cross-ties E, would not ordinarilyextend as high as it is desirable to have the surface of the roadwaybetween the tracks in order to drain surface water away from theconduit, and I therefore find it convenient in construction to place theconduitsupporting chairs upon a continuous wooden stringer E, placedlongitudinally upon the cross-ties and appropriately secured thereto. Afurther advantage of the use of the stringer E consists in the factthat, the conduit being supported thereby, the cross-ties E may bereplaced or removed without in any way disturbing the conduit structure.

As seen in Fig. 6, the grooved Wooden bar- A is formed with additionalrabbets or recesses along its upper edges for the reception of theelastic packing D D, and is incased or inelosed by two trough or Ushaped iron bars B 3, placed edgewise and forced upon the wood A, so asto inclose it and the packing D D tightly, the wood with its casing ofiron being then placed between the upright arms D 13 of the chair B bywhich the conduit is supported. Removable plates B" are bolted down ontop of the arms 13 13 with their inner edges projectin over the cornersof the iron casing 1%,13, so as to hold it firmly in position, theexposed upper sides of said casing forming the surface or capping platesof the conduit. This construction is extremely simple and strong, andhas the advantage that when the upper surfaces of the casing B '3 becomeworn they can be removed from the central wooden portion A and reversed.

Vith the angle-iron casing just described the conduit can readily beconstructed from standard materials; but it is in many cases desirableto use a special form of metallic exterior protection. For example, asseen in Fig. 4, the insulating grooved conductorsupport A is completelyinclosed within a metallic trough F, which is made high enough at thesides to alsocontain the horizontal packing-strips D D. The trough F iscontained within a metallic chair 15 and is secured in position bycontinuous removable capping-plates f f, which are separated to form thesurface-slot Z), and are firmly secured to the upper parts of the arms BB on the chair by suitable bolts f, and while acting to protect the saidpacking-strips and the interior of the conduit the plates f alsocompress the strips D D into close edge contact with each other and holdthem firmly in that position.

A form differing slightly from the above is shown in Fig. 5, in whichthe trough F is made somewhat shallower than the trough F, and has itsupper edges F bent outwardly, so as to rest upon the upper ends of thearms B B of the chair. In this instance the capping-platesf are inclinedupwardly and the packing-strips D D arranged to extend upwardly and tomake an oblique instead of a horizontal contact. This form is especiallydesirable where the roadway between the tracks is paved with asphalt,since the covering can then be brought up to the upper edges of theupwardly-inclined capping-plates f and a very small surface thereof beexposed to wear.

The construction seen in Fig. 8 does not vary materially from that seenin Fig. 4, except in the details of the slot-closin g packing.

As seen in the various figures above referred to, the conduit may beconstructed with several pieces of angle-iron secured about a continuouswooden strip or bar the size of ordinary seantling, to form a metalliccase protected and closed at its top edges by the necessary surface orcapping plates, which must be quite heavy to stand the wear and tear oftraffic. In allinstances where wood is employed it is to be thoroughlysoaked, saturated, or coated with preservative compound for rendering itimpervious to water and preventing decay. I do not, however, confinemyself to the use of wood as a conductor supporting and insulatingmedium, since a tube or trough of any desired shape may be employed.Said tube or trough, being provided with an insulating-lining, mayitself form the support for the conductor, as seen in Fig. 18.

In Fig. 18 the conductor 2 is in the form of a slotted tube. of lessdiameter than a slotted inclosin g and protecting tube G, the spacebetween the conductor and protecting-tubes being filled. with someplastic insulating material A while in a liquid state-as, for example,bitumen. The tube G is supported atdesired intervals by chairs G whichare provided with u pwardly-extendin g arms or parts G upon the uppersurface of which are socured surface-plates G separated to form acontinuous narrow slot centrally above the slot in the tube G and itsinsulated lining. The bars Gr" are desirably undercut at their underedges to admit of the insertion of continuous strips of cylindric orother form of packing K, by which the opening into the tube G isnormally closed. f

The form seen in Fig. 17 does not differ materially from that seen inFig. 8, except as to the shape of the conductor and slot-closingdevices, which are hollow rubber tubes .l, in place of the solid formsseen in other figures.

The conduit seen in Fig. 10 resembles that seen in Fig. 4, except thatthe Ushaped protecting metallic casing has its upper edges turnedoutwardly, as at F F in Fig. 5, and is finished with fiat horizontalsurface-plates f f, as in Fig. 4:. The U-shaped casing is completelylined with canvas L or other strong durable fabric properly coated withinsulatin g material and joined to the packing, thus forming acontinuous closed chamber, in the lower part of which the conductor isplaced.

The parallel strips of elastic packing, by which the surface-slot of myimproved conduit is closed and the water excluded,may be composed of agreat variety of materials within the limits of the principalrequirements elasticity, freedom from abrasion by the passing contactplow between their adjacent edges, freedom from injury by water, andgood insulating properties, since the said packing must not only excludewater, but also serve as insulation or additional insulation between theexterior of the conduit and the surface-plates and easing. In many casesflat strips of pure rubber alone may be utilized for this purpose, whichform is indicated at D D in Figsrl, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. This form ofpacking is unexcelled for insulating and waterproofing qualities, andwhen molded in strips of the proper size, having smoothly-finished inneredges, which may be lubricated by a coating of dry plumbago, will giveexcellent results. Rubber, however, being coinparatively very expensive,I propose to use as a substitute therefor various combinations of othermaterials which I find well suited to the purpose.

A vet-y desirable form of packing is composed of strips (Z formed ofrubber D, with a facing d of leather, as seen in Figs. let and 15, or ofcanvas d", as in Fig. 16. I Vith this form the rubber supplies thenecessary flexibility and elasticity and the leather or canvas facingincreased durability. The leather or canvas should be secured to therubber by an impervious cement, after which the facing can be thoroughlylubricated with an undrying oil mixed with plumbago, or with the formeror latter alone. The oil will also prevent the leather being affected bymoisture.

In Fig. 8 are seen packing-strips D built up of a number of thicknessesof any strong fabric, as canvas, cotton-duck, or similar material, saidlayers being thoroughly impregnated with waterproof insulating compoundand laid upon and supported by metallic strips (1", attached to theupper edges of the grooves in the wood A, and acting to protect theunder sides of the said strips from abrasion by the contact device. Uponthe upper side of these strips are placed protectingstrips d of goodinsulating materialsuch, for example, as vulcanized fiber. Strips ofleather D are also used in connection with this fibrous packing, therubber strips being placed in rear thereof, so as to force their inneredges together, at the same time permitting them to yield, if necessary,on the passage of the contact devices. The fibers at the inner edges ofthe strips D should be unraveled to form a continuous brush, which willpossess considerable elasticity, and also hold lubricating material,which at the same time will act to render the said inner edges proofagainst the entrance of water.

Different forms of fibrous packing backed by rubber acting to impart thenecessary lateral pressure and elasticity are seen in Figs. 10,11, and12.

In Fig. 10 the built-up fibrous strips D are sustained between upper andlower facings d of hard insulating material, to which the fibrousmaterial-of the strips D maybe united by cement, sewing, or otherwise.The adjacent e'dges of the strips D are held tightly together by rubbersprings D, located in rear thereof.

In Fig. 11 packing-strips D are seen, which said strips are formed of anumber of layers of leather secured together and having their inneredges slitted or roughened to impart flexibility thereto. Additionalelasticity is in this case also secured by means of the rubberbacking-springs D.

In Fig. 12 are represented packing-strips I) composed of alternatinglayers of rubber and fabric, the rubber not extending quite to the inneradjacent edges. The fabric and rubber are securely united, as bystitching or cement, and the rubber will add to the strength anddurability of the strip when completed, as its presence will counteractthe tendency of the fabric to ravel, except at the edges, where it isleft free for that purpose. In this form of strip the rubber and fabricare so combined that the rubber will impart sufficient elasticity to thestrips as a whole without being exposed to the wear of the passingtraveler. The said strips are built up of alternate layers of rubberrand fabric d', the laminae of rubber extending not quite to the edge ofthe fabric, so that the inner edge of the fabric may become raveled toform a brush. This brush should be thoroughly lubricated with plumbagoor some other material that will not affect the rubber, and if tightlypressed together in the first instance will form a very good means forclosing the slot, which will be at the same time inexpensive anddurable. Instead of the rubber packing D shown in the several figures asa means for forcing the slot-closing material together, I may use fiatsteel springs I, acting against the inner sides of the casing of theconduit and againsta continuous wooden or metallic strip 6, located inrear of the fibrous packing-strips. The

said packing-strips, possessing some elasticity in themselves, willyield enough to close about the front and rear of the contact-plow, andthus exclude water.

As seen in Fig. 17, a conduit of the kind described is provided withapacking consisting of two rubber tubes J, pressed and held together bytheir position between the wood A and the under sides of thecapping-plates ff. The tubes J may be secured in position by metallicstrips j, having upturned inner edges; or the said tubes may be held inplace by suitable adhesive material.

In Fig. 18 is seen a slot-closing device comprising two hempen or otherropes K, desirably of the woven variety. The said ropes are held inundercut recesses in the wood A and capping-plates G, and are thoroughlycoated with tallow and plumbago or other suitable substance, which willfill all the interstices and permit them to be pressed together to forma closed slot.

In Fig. 19 is seen a canvas lining L within the conduit and envelopingthe conductor, the upper edges of said lining being brought up to thesurface and cemented or otherwise attached to continuous rubber strips1, which strips are secured directly to the cappingplates f f. The innersurfaces of the edges of the canvas may also be provided with a strip orfacing of leather, with which form the rubber, canvas, and leathershould be attached and connected by some insoluble cement, after whichthe faces of the leather may be lubricated without fear of injuring therubber.

Many different forms of conductor may be used with my improved conduit,some of which are herein illustrated.

As seen in Figs. 1. 2, 6,10,12, and 20, the main supply-conductor 1 isformed of a flat strip of metal, which may be of copper or iron facedwith copper, or of other good conducting metal. I11 connection with theflat conductor I may use a contact device similar to that shown in Fig.3, in which is represented a plate or bar M of conducting metal securedto or provided at its lower edge with a rubbing shoe or shoes on, foractual contact with the surface of the conductor. Vheels or brushes maybe substituted for the rubbing-shoe; but I find the latter desirable inmany instances on account of its cheapness and durability and the fact.that a rubbing contact is in many instances preferable. The shoe m isremovable, so that by replacing the shoes when worn the travelingcontact may last indefinitely.

As seen in Fig. 3, the vertically-extending part of the travelingcontact comprises a plate or strip of conducting metal M, which may bein the form of a steel blade made as thin as consistent with the desiredstrength. To the lower edge of this blade is secured the shoe m referredto, and to its upper portion the links N or other devices by which it ismechanically connected to the moving vehicle. Said blade is, moreover,inclosed within an outer protective casing 91, between which and theconducting-plate M mica or other thin insulating material a isinterposed, the whole forming a comparatively thin plate capable ofmoving between the elastic slot-closing material, and the said contactdevice should not exceed in thickness the distance which the saidslot-closing material may be compressed without injury.

In many instances I also provide an exterior protection to that part ofthe traveling contact which is exposed above the insulating slot-closingpacking. Such aformis seen in Figs. 8 and 9, where that portion of theconducting-plate M extending above the slotclosing packing-strips D isprovided with insulation n casing 71, and exterior protective plates N,which project in front and rear of the plate M, and are solidly unitedand sloped off at their ends to form plows traveling in the slot betweenthe capping-plates for the purpose of removing stones or otherobstructions that might have lodged therein. In said Figs. 8 and 9 acylindric conductor 3 is seen, which may, if desired, be tubular instructure. To the lower edge of the plate M is secured a narrow strip ofmetal 0, which enters the conduit and presses upward against the undersides of the plates (1 upon which the packing shown in said figures isdesirably supported, said strip 0 also contributing to close the narrowopening between the packing-strips caused by the passage of the plate M.Two or more rubbing-shoes m are arranged below the strip 0, with theirunder surfaces resting upon the conductor 3, with the form of which theywill of course correspond, whether the same be round or flat or anyother shape. The shoes m are connected to the strip 0 by flexiblemetallic springs m secured to the under side thereof and sprung intosuitable recesses in said shoes.

As indicated in Figs. 5, 14, and 17, a V- shaped conductor 4 maybeemployed, and it will also be understood that the traveling contactdevices hereinbefore described may be utilized in connect-ion therewithby suitably shaping the contact-shoes to conform to the shape of theconductor.

Along the lower edge of the plate M are secured saucer-shaped metallicdisks P, which, when united by a central bolt 1), will form a hollowcontact-wheel adapted to run in the grooved conductor. Any desirednumber of these disks may be provided, so as to insure good electricalconnection, and the supporting-plate M is made narrower along its lowerend portions in order that it may possess the lateral flexibilitynecessary to permit the carriage passing easily and smoothly alonggrooved or bent portions of the conduit.

A carriage similar to the foregoing is indicated in Fig. 4,-thedifference being, however, in the shape of the disks of which thecontact-wheels are formed, the disks P, of which the traveler in Fig. 4is composed, being formed and arranged to constitute,

'with a groove along its under side, within cal contact.

which are secured shoes m of carbon, which are suitably beveled alongtheir under sides to conform to the shape of the \l-shaped eonductor 4:shown. The conductors, of whatever form, are made into sections andunited by slip-joints to prevent buckling or other injury from expansionand contraction with change of temperature.

As seen in Figs. 24: and 25, the flat conductors 1 l. are desirablyslightlybeveled at their edges, a portion of the extremity of twosections united by being slipped into a clamp or coupling which envelopsthe conductor on three sides, leaving the upper side perfectly free. Thecouplings Q are secured at the bottom of the groove a by suitable screwsand at desired intervals. A space being left be tween the united ends ofthe respective sections of conductor, expansion and contraction may'takeplace without any injury or inconvenience. The sections of the slittedcylindric conductor 2 are joined, as indicated in Figs. 21 and 22, bybeing inserted in.similarly-slitted sleeves Q, which sleeves arethemselves secured to the supporting-lining by screws Q if said supportbe of wood or similar material. The screws, however, should be omittedwhen the conductor is supported as indicated in Fig. 18.

As indicated in Fig. 22, the extremities of the sections of conductor 2should be reduced in thickness from the inside, so as to producesmooth'iiaring edges in order to prevent any possibility of thetraveling contact devices catching in the space between the ends of thesections of conductor.

Fig. 23 illustrates means for uniting sections of tubular conductor 3,which is accomplished by slipping them over the extremities of metallicarms g, which extend from a central metallic post R of the same externaldiameter as the sections of conductor and firmly secured within theconduit by suitable means-as, for example, a screw 0-. The arms (1 areslitted and forced apart, so that when compressed the sections ofconductor slipped into position upon said arms willbe outwardlyspring-pressed against the interior of the tubular conductor, thussecuring good electri- The arms q are of sufficient length to permit theexpansion and contraction of the conductor supported thereon.

The exterior metallic casing of my improved conduit, of whatever shapeand whether composed of one part or several, as

hereinbefore described, is also formed in sections, which should beprovided with water-tight joints, which will at the same time permitexpansion and contraction between the united sections. A number of thechairs B will be required to properly sustain each section of conduitunder the heavy loads carried by the vehicles passing along an ordinarystreet, and said chairs may be of any-of the constructions shown inconnection with the different forms; but at the points where thesections are united I provide chairs B", which, instead of merelyenveloping the conduitcasing closely upon all except the upper side, areformed with a shallow cavity S, extending around on the inside of themiddle portion, the extremities T of the interior portion of said chairsfitting the exterior of the metallic casing as closely as is consistentwith convenience in inserting the ends of the section of casing to beunited. The ends of the sections to be united are placed together in achair B sufficient space being left between them to allow for expansion.A strip of canvas or other fabric is desirably placed around the casingto cover the space between its extremities, after which the cavity S inthe chair B is filled with a semi-plastic insulating materialas, forexample, bitumen mixed with ashes or some substance which will preventits becoming hard and brittle. A gasket of soft rubber would answer thispurpose extremely well, and is desirable Where not too expensive.

As heretofore described, the slot of my improved conduit is so tightlyclosed that removal or insertion of the traveling contact devices isimpossible except at points where special provision is made therefor. Atsuch points I provide elongated chairs Bione of which is indicated inFig. 20. Vherever the chairs B are placed the lining of the conduit maybe partially cut away to enlarge the groove to for a distance of, say,two or three feet, according to the length of the chair 13". Shortcapping-plates B and corresponding sections of packing-stripsare alsoprovided, which, being readily removable, will, when desired, afford anopening to the conduit through which the traveling contact can beinserted or removed. Uhai rs B, with removable surface-plates, will beplaced at desired intervals along the line of the conduit, so that incase of necessity the traveling contact may be removable whenevernecessary.

llaving described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure byLetters Patent, 1s

1. A closed slotted conduit comprising a protective casing, aninsulating-lining therefor, an electric conductor supported within thelining, surface or capping plates forming a part of the casing, metallicchairs for sup porting the capping-plates, and continuous strips ofinsulatin material between the capping-plates and the lining forinsulating the said lining from the surface-plates .and closing theconduit, substantially as described.

2. A closed slotted conduit for electric conductors, comprising anexterior metallic casin g formed with a slot along its upper side, aninterior insulating-support, a conductor at tached to said interiorsupport, and flexible insulating slot-closing strips interposed betweenthe edges of the metallic casing and actingto close theconductor-containing chamber, substantially as described.

A closed slotted conduit comprising a slotted metallic tube or chamberextending along the line of way, an insulating-lining within saidchamber, a main supply-con d uctor secured to and supported by theinsulatinglining within the conduit, and flexible insulating-strips onthe under side of each side of the slot, said strips being normally incontact and acting to close the slot against the entrance of water,substantially as described.

4. A closed conduit comprising a slotted metallic casing extending alongthe line of way, a slotted insulating-lining within said chamber, a mainsupply-conductor supported by said insulating-lining, flexibleinsulatingstrips arranged on the under side of each side of the slotbetween the metallic casing and the interior insulation, the adjacentedges of said strips being normally in contact to close the same, and atraveling contact device engaging the conductor, and a thin plate orextension connected to the contact and extending upward between theedges of the slotclosing strips, substantially as described.

5. A conduit for electric conductors, comprising sections of metalliccasin g, a chair for supporting and uniting the same formed in part ofgreater internal diameter than the ends of the sections to be united,anda yielding water-proof packing filling the space between the interiorof the chairs and the ends of the sections to be united, substantiallyas described.

6. A contact device for slotted conduits, provided with non conductingslot-closing strips, comprising a plate extending through theslotclosing material and elongated at its lower portion, and formed withupwardly-hr elined sloping edges for opening the slot with an upwardmovement, contact devices attached to the lower portion of and movingwith said plate, and connections secured to the plate for propelling thesaid plate along the conduit, substantially as described.

7. A contact device for closed slotted conduits, comprising a protectedconductingplate extending through the slot of the conduit, connectionssecured to said plate for propelling the same along the conduit, contactdevices attached to and moving with said plateand adapted to engage theconductor within the conduit, and a plow secured to the portion of theplate exterior to the conduitand moving upon the exterior thereof,substantially as described.

8. A contact device for closed slotted conduits, comprising a protectedmetallic plate,

connections secured to said plate for propelling the same along theconduit, contact devices attached to and movingwith said plate andadapted to engage the conductor within the conduit, and a plow insulatedfrom and surrounding the portion of the conductingplate exterior to theconduit and moving upon the exterior thereof,substan tially asdescribed.

5). A contact device for slotted conduits, provided with non-conductingslot-closing strips, comprising a protected metallic plate extendingthrough the slot-closing material, a contact device attach ed to theplate for engagin the conductor within the conduit, and protectivemetallic plates pressing upwardly against the under sides of the openinginto the conduit, substantially as described.

10. A contact device for electric conduits, comprising a protectedmetallic plate, rubbing-blocks attached to the lower extremity thereofand adapted to engage the conductor within the conduit, springs securedto the plate and pressing the blocks downwardly upon the conductor,protective metallic plates pressing upwardly against the under sides ofthe slot-closing devices, and a plow of insulating material attached toand surrounding the conducting-plate above the slot-closing devices,substantially as described.

11. In a conduit for electric conductors, the combination, with a solidgrooved insulatingsupport, of a conductor in said groove, said conductorformed of sections, and metallic couplings slipped upon and uniting theends of the sections, substantially as described.

12. A contact device for closed slotted con- I duits, comprisingcontacts adapted to engage the conductor or conductors within theconduits, an extension therefrom consisting of a mechanically andelectrically protected conductor adapted to be moved between and tosupport the slot-closing material,substantially as described.

13. A closed slotted conduit comprising a protective casing formed witha slot along its upper side, an interior insulating conductorsupport,flexible non-conducting slot-closing strips adjacent to the edges of theprotective casing, and springs behind the strips for holding them incontact to close the slot, substantially as described.

14. A closed slotted conduit comprising a protective casing formed witha slot along its upper side, an interior insulating conductor support,flexible fibrous packing-strips adjacent to the edges of the protectivecasing, and springs behind the strips for holding them in contact toclose the slot, substantially as described.

15. A closed slotted conduit comprising an exterior protective casing, aflexible insulating-lining within the casing, a conductor or conductorsinclosed within the lining, and flexible cushions behind the upper edgesof the lining for holding the same in contact, substantially asdescribed.

10. A protective casing for slotted conduits,

ITO

comprising a sheet-metal body or trough, inetallic chairs for reinovablysustaining the body of the conduit, an d capping-plates securing thetrough in position, said capping-plates being sustained and secured uponthe chairs and extending over the said body or trough, sub- 18. Theco1'nbi11ation,\vith the conduit of the class described, of therail-support1ng cross-ties, a continuous longitudinal support also uponsaid cross-ties, chairs attached to said support at suitable intervals,and the conduit sustained Within the chairs, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I afliX in y signature in presence of tWowitnesses.

CHARLES J. VAN DEPOELE.

itnesses:

FRANKLAND JANNUs, CHAS. L. STURTEVANT.

